Garment system with electronic components and associated methods

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides a wireless biometric monitoring system that may be capable of acquiring, compiling, analyzing, and transmitting biometric data in near real time/real time. The system may utilize either the most up-to-date Bluetooth protocol (currently Bluetooth Smart) or a similar wireless protocol. The system may further integrate through this wireless protocol with peripheral devices to expand the measurement capacity of the system. 
     In embodiments, the system may be capable of monitoring multiple biometric responses including, but not limited to: skin temperature, core temperature, respirations, heart rate, predicted tidal volume, chest wall movement, abdominal movement in conjunction with inspiration, abdominal movement in conjunction with expiration, HRR (heart rate reserve), HRV (heart rate variability), body position relevant to perpendicular, shoulder position relevant to hip position, general body posture, up time, down time, and malfunctions.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No.62/074,521, filed Nov. 3, 2014, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a garment, more specifically a garmentsystem with electronic components for monitoring biometricfunctionality.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The wearable technology sector has recently gained a vast amount ofinterest from individual and companies alike. Devices such aswristbands, glasses, and watches may function to gather biometric datafrom an individual's body such as heart rate, force on a body,acceleration of a body, etc. A multi-faceted garment wearableincorporating a plurality of biometric analytical devices has not beensuccessfully created.

The disclosed subject matter provides a wireless biometric monitoringsystem that may be capable of acquiring, compiling, analyzing, andtransmitting biometric data in near real time/real time. The system mayutilize either the most up-to-date Bluetooth protocol (currentlyBluetooth Smart) or a similar wireless protocol. The system may furtherintegrate through this wireless protocol with peripheral devices toexpand the measurement capacity of the system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure provides a wireless biometric monitoring garment systemthat may be capable of acquiring, compiling, analyzing, and transmittingbiometric data in near real time/real time. The system may utilizeeither the most up-to-date Bluetooth protocol (currently BluetoothSmart) or a similar wireless protocol. The system may further integratethrough this wireless protocol with peripheral devices to expand themeasurement capacity of the system.

The system may be capable of monitoring multiple biometric responsesincluding, but not limited to: skin temperature, core temperature,respirations, heart rate, predicted tidal volume, chest wall movement,abdominal movement in conjunction with inspiration, abdominal movementin conjunction with expiration, HRR (heart rate reserve), HRV (heartrate variability), body position relevant to perpendicular, shoulderposition relevant to hip position, general body posture, up time, downtime, and malfunctions.

The system may be capable of monitoring multiple biometric peripheralprocesses through Bluetooth Smart including, but not limited to: DTR,eye movement, eye position, reflex velocity, visual tracking, visualfocal points, tactile response, and skin conductivity.

In certain embodiments, the system may be a shirt. The shirt may beconstructed of a quick dry material with antistatic and anti-microbialproperties. The shirt may be form fitting (Athletic fit) comprised of apolymer mix with elastic fiber similar to spandex.

In certain embodiments, the garment system may be made available in anumber of sizes similar to but not relegated to standard Americansizing. The garment system may be available in full and half sizesranging from 3 to 8. A 3 may be the equivalent of an extra extra smalland an 8 may be similar to an extra extra extra large. In order toaccurately measure the physiological responses, the garment system maybe form fitting and snug to provide close contact with the skin; hencethe 11 available sizes.

The characteristics of the garment may ensure that the garment may haveaccess to and control over an individual's biometric data in the mostintuitive and dynamic way possible without having to be relegated to alab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subjectmatter will be set forth in any claims that are filed later. Thedisclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode ofuse, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understoodby reference to the following detailed description of an illustrativeembodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 displays a computing system and related peripherals that mayoperate with the garment system with electronic components in accordancewith embodiments.

FIG. 2A displays one embodiment of the anterior view of a garment systemshowing various components found within the garment.

FIG. 2B displays one embodiment of the posterior view of a garmentsystem showing various components found within the garment.

FIG. 3 displays a method for monitoring an individual using a magneticrespiratory monitor in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 4 displays a diagram depicting one embodiment of a wired frameworkof the garment system.

FIG. 5 displays a diagram of an embodiment of the power module setup.

FIG. 6 illustrates a respiratory monitor sub-system 10, according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a RMS according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a strain detection unit according to someembodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a strain detection unit according to a differentembodiment.

FIG. 10 displays a side layer view of a multi-layer conductive fabricutilized by a garment in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 11 displays a front view of a respiratory monitor system engrainedwithin a garment in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 12 displays a method for monitoring body functions in accordancewith embodiments.

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict an alternative embodiment of a garmentincluding a plurality of respiratory monitor sub-systems located on theanterior and the posterior of the garment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict alternative views of a skeleton each comprisingvarying posture traits in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 15 displays an alternative embodiment of a method for collectingdata in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 16 displays a method for monitoring breathing in accordance withembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the samereference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designatethe same components.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elementsshould not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first elementdiscussed below could be termed a second element without departing fromthe teachings of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willbe further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” or“includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specifythe presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Although described with reference to personal computers and theInternet, one skilled in the art could apply the principles discussedherein to any computing or mobile computing environment. Further, oneskilled in the art could apply the principles discussed herein tocommunication mediums beyond the Internet.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated amongthe figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However,it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theimplementations described herein may be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures andcomponents have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theimplementations described herein. Also, the description is not to beconsidered as limiting the scope of the implementations describedherein.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific implementations which may be practiced.These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable thoseskilled in the art to practice the implementations, and it is to beunderstood that other implementations may be utilized and that logical,mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the implementations. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system within a computingenvironment for implementing the disclosure includes a general purposecomputing device in the form of a computing system 1, commerciallyavailable from, for example, Intel, IBM, AMD, Motorola, Cyrix, etc.Components of the computing system 2 may include, but are not limitedto, a processing unit 3, a system memory 4, and a system bus 5 thatcouples various system components including the system memory 4 to theprocessing unit 3. The system bus 5 may be any of several types of busstructures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.

Computing system 1 typically includes a variety of computer readablemedia. Computer readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by the computing system 1 and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media. By way ofexample, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprisecomputer storage media and communication media. Computer storage mediaincludes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information suchas computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules orother data.

Computer memory includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flashmemory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD)or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape,magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any othermedium which can be used to store the desired information and which canbe accessed by the computing system 1.

The system memory 4 includes computer storage media in the form ofvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) 6 andrandom access memory (RAM) 7. A basic input/output system (BIOS) 8,containing the basic routines that help to transfer information betweenelements within computing system 1, such as during start-up, istypically stored in ROM 6. RAM 7 typically contains data and/or programmodules that are immediately accessible to and/or presently beingoperated on by processing unit 3. By way of example, and not limitation,an operating system 9, application programs 10, other program modules11, and program data 12 are shown.

Computing system 1 may also include other removable/non-removable,volatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only, ahard disk drive 13 that reads from or writes to non-removable,nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 14 that reads from orwrites to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk 15, and an optical diskdrive 16 that reads from or writes to a removable, nonvolatile opticaldisk 17 such as a CD ROM or other optical media could be employed tostore the invention of the present embodiment. Otherremovable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storage mediathat can be used in the exemplary operating environment include, but arenot limited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digitalversatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM,and the like. The hard disk drive is typically connected to the systembus 5 through a non-removable memory interface such as interface 18, andmagnetic disk drive 14 and optical disk drive 16 are typically connectedto the system bus 5 by a removable memory interface, such as interface19.

The drives and their associated computer storage media, discussed above,provide storage of computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules and other data for the computing system 1. For example,hard disk drive 13 is illustrated as storing operating system 34,application programs 35, other program modules 36, and program data 37.Note that these components can either be the same as or different fromoperating system 9, application programs 10, other program modules 11,and program data 12. Operating system 34, application programs 35, otherprogram modules 36, and program data 37 are given different numbers hereto illustrate that, at a minimum, they are different copies.

A user may enter commands and information into the computing system 1through input devices such as a tablet, or electronic digitizer, 20, amicrophone 21, a keyboard 22, and pointing device 23, commonly referredto as a mouse, trackball, or touch pad. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 3 through a user inputinterface 24 that is coupled to the system bus 5, but may be connectedby other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, gameport or a universal serial bus (USB).

A monitor 25 or other type of display device is also connected to thesystem bus 5 via an interface, such as a video interface 26. The monitor25 may also be integrated with a touch-screen panel 27 or the like. Notethat the monitor and/or touch screen panel can be physically coupled toa housing in which the computing system 1 is incorporated, such as in atablet-type personal computer. In addition, computers such as thecomputing system 1 may also include other peripheral output devices suchas speakers 28 and printer 43, which may be connected through an outputperipheral interface 29 or the like.

Computing system 1 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computingsystem 30. The remote computing system 30 may be a personal computer(including, but not limited to, mobile electronic devices), a server, arouter, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, andtypically includes many or all of the elements described above relativeto the computing system 1, although only a memory storage device 31 hasbeen illustrated. The logical connections depicted include a local areanetwork (LAN) 32 connecting through network interface 38 and a wide areanetwork (WAN) 33 connecting via modem 39, but may also include othernetworks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices,enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

For example, in the present embodiment, the computer system 1 maycomprise the source machine from which data is beinggenerated/transmitted and the remote computing system 30 may comprisethe destination machine. Note however that source and destinationmachines need not be connected by a network or any other means, butinstead, data may be transferred via any media capable of being writtenby the source platform and read by the destination platform orplatforms.

In another example, in the present embodiment, the remote computingsystem 30 may comprise the source machine from which data is beinggenerated/transmitted and the computer system 1 may comprise thedestination machine.

In a further embodiment, in the present disclosure, the computing system1 may comprise both a source machine from which data is beinggenerated/transmitted and a destination machine and the remote computingsystem 30 may also comprise both a source machine from which data isbeing generated/transmitted and a destination machine.

Referring to FIG. 1, for the purposes of this disclosure, it will beappreciated that remote computer 30 may include any suitable terms suchas, but not limited to “device”, “processor based mobile device”,“mobile device”, “electronic device”, “processor based mobile electronicdevice”, “mobile electronic device”, “wireless electronic device”,“location-capable wireless device,” and “remote device” including asmart phone or tablet computer.

The central processor operating pursuant to operating system softwaresuch as, but not limited to Apple IOS®, Google Android®, IBM OS/2®,Linux®, UNIX®, Microsoft Windows®, Apple Mac OSX®, and othercommercially available operating systems provides functionality for theservices provided by the present invention. The operating system orsystems may reside at a central location or distributed locations (i.e.,mirrored or standalone).

Software programs or modules instruct the operating systems to performtasks such as, but not limited to, facilitating client requests, systemmaintenance, security, data storage, data backup, data mining,document/report generation, and algorithm generation. The providedfunctionality may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software moduleexecuted by a processor, or in any combination of the two.

Furthermore, software operations may be executed, in part or wholly, byone or more servers or a client's system, via hardware, software module,or any combination of the two. A software module (program or executable)may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROMmemory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, DVD, opticaldisk, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplarystorage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor canread information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Inthe alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor.The processor and the storage medium may also reside in an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC). The bus may be an optical orconventional bus operating pursuant to various protocols that are wellknown in the art.

All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “suchas”), is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and doesnot pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwiseclaimed. No language in the specification should be construed asindicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of thedisclosure as used herein.

The detailed description set forth herein in connection with theappended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodimentsin which the presently disclosed apparatus and system can be practiced.The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving asan example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

FIG. 2A displays one embodiment of the anterior view of a garment system50 showing various components found within the garment 50. FIG. 2Bdisplays one embodiment of the posterior view of a garment system 50showing various components found within the garment 50. At least aportion of the garment 50 may be constructed of a quick dry materialwith antistatic and anti-microbial properties. The garment 50 may beform fitting (athletic fit) comprised of a plurality of fabric layersand including elastic fibers similar to spandex. The garment body 52 maybe the main body of the system 50 that may house a number of electroniccomponents either within or on the garment structure. In embodiments,the garment 50 may be made of a quick dry elastic polymer blend that mayprovide support to the wearer, welded non-chafing seams, and a stableplatform for biometric sensors, GPS, and processors from which tooperate. The garment fit may be athletic, similar to, in embodiments, anundershirt worn by a soldier or professional football player. Inembodiments, the garment 50 may include fabric enhancements includingbetter moisture wicking, thermal management, and muscle group support.

The garment 50 may be made available in a number of sizes similar to butnot relegated to standard American sizing. The garment 50 may beavailable in full and half sizes ranging from 3 to 8. In embodiments, a3 may be the equivalent of an extra extra small and an 8 may be similarto an extra extra extra large. In order to accurately measure thephysiological responses, the garment 50 may be form fitting and snug.Hence, in embodiments, 11 available sizes may be provided.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may be unisex. Because the garment 50, inembodiments, may be fitted based on torso length relevant to chest wallcircumference and the unit is also constructed from an elastic material,the garment 50 may be unisex. This may make manufacturing, shirtselection, distribution, and inventory management more manageable.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may be form fitting and may be designedto be worn for prolonged periods of time. The garment 50 may be designedto fit and feel like a typical athletic garment. Under normalcircumstances, the garment 50 may not require special fitting. Thegarment 50 being form-fitting may allow the garment 50 to properlycollect data from an individual. In embodiments, a sizing chart may beprovided to an individual with the garment 50 to recommend shirt sizesthat may correspond with chest measurements in embodiments in which thegarment 50 is a shirt. The process may be similar to effectively fittingan individual for a high-end backpack or daypack, which is a practicecommon in the outdoor sports retail space. Under unique circumstances,the garment 50 may be worn under other equipment for prolonged periodsof time (such as football pads) or the wearer may have a unique bodyshape fitting specific to the individual, in which case a specially madegarment 50 may be created.

In embodiments, a garment system 50 may include eight primarycomponents: a garment body 52, a heart rate monitor (not shown), aplurality of respiration/skeletal position monitors 116, a plurality ofaccelerometers 130, a GPS/WWAN component 134, a processor 114, acellular/satellite transceiver (not shown), a low frequencyreceiver/transceiver system (not shown), a dashboard application, and akinetic power module 138 and generators 136. Wiring for at least some ofthe components, in embodiments, may be displayed in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

In embodiments, at least one of the cellular/satellite transceivers andthe low frequency receiver/transceiver system may be housed within theprocessor 114. In embodiments, at least one of the cellular/satellitetransceivers and the low frequency receive/transceiver system may behoused within the garment 50 separate of the processor 114.

In embodiments, the GPS/WWAN component 134 may include at least one ofthe cellular/satellite transceivers and the low frequencyreceiver/transceiver system.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may incorporate a Bluetooth Smart HeartRate Monitor (HR) that may function utilizing decoding algorithms andthree lead ekg equivalent monitoring straps. The HR monitor may streampulse rate to the garment's processor 114 which may run the data throughmultiple algorithms developed and offered as a package. The algorithmsoffered may offer, but is not limited to, the following outputs: BPM,HRR (heart rate reserve), stress response, and HRV (heart ratevariability).

In embodiments, the garment heart rate monitor may be integrated intothe garment material. In embodiments, the monitor may utilize three leadEKG equivalent monitoring techniques using electrically conductive pads.The heart rate monitor (not shown) may be positioned anatomically underthe breast line and over the top of the xiphoid process (in proximity todotted line 140 found in FIG. 2A). The monitor may track pulse rate innear real-time and may transmit the information via hardwire to theprocessor 114 incorporated into the garment 50. The heart rate monitormay also include low-frequency wireless technology such as, but notlimited to Bluetooth Smart. The Bluetooth Smart or similar technologymay allow for the heart rate to be transmitted in near real-time to athird-party device, such as, but not limited to an electronic deviceincluding an application. This transmission may be secondary to thehardwired connection to the processor 114. The contact pads for theheart rate monitor may be rubberized and fully encapsulated to ensurethat the unit is watertight. The battery 132 for the heart rate monitormay be incorporated into the base of the garment 50 and may be connectedto the heart rate monitor via a wired connection. In embodiments, theheart rate monitor may include updated firmware and technology upgradesincluding more efficient monitoring, three-dimensional sonography,target specific ultrasound, and more frequent data transmissions.

In embodiments, the heart rate monitor may be a standard heart ratemonitor that is meant to circumnavigate either a portion of the chest ora portion adjacent the chest.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may comprise a Bluetooth Smart or othersimilar low frequency wireless technology which may allow for theincorporation of 3rd party monitoring tools such as, but not limited to:deep tendon reflex monitoring cuffs, pedometers, glasses utilized totrack multiple periods of vision, eye movement, and focal points, skinconductivity monitors, skin temp monitors, and atmospheric monitors.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may incorporate an onboard processor 114allowing for the processing of all information acquired through thevarious sensors. This means that there may be a temporary break inconnectivity information that may still be processed and stored for aburst transition when uplink is re-established.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may incorporate a wireless mobile datauplink including satellite data for military use. This may allow for thetransmission of information over cellular or satellite data protocol inthe event that another network system isn't available.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may be wirelessly accessible through aproprietary mobile and web application (alternatively referred to as amodule). The application paired with the garment 50 may allow for thesimultaneous review of all biometric information as well ascomplementary information generated by the algorithmic manipulation ofprocured data. The application may allow for the same review as the appbut through a universally accessible web platform. This combination ofreview systems may allow for the management, utilization, and nearreal-time review of gathered data regardless of the physical location ofthe assessor relevant to the wearer of the garment 50.

The garment 50 application may be, in embodiments, a native iOS andAndroid application as well as a web platform. The dashboard may accessthe garment server through a secure Internet connection. The passing ofinformation and system management may occur through a garment web portalacross a garment server. This setup may allow for wireless firmwareupdates and remote diagnostic capabilities. Live “over-the-wire”firmware updates may occur as enhancements are made and the garmentapplication may be updated as improvements occur. Initially, the garmentapplication may allow for the measurement and viewing of all biometricprocesses being monitored and GPS location. In embodiments, the garment50 may include control capabilities such as VO2 Threshold, Tidal Volume,WAN locating, 3D Thoracic wall movement diagramming, third-party apps,etc.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may include integrated cellular and/orsatellite transceivers and receiver sets. The purpose may be to allowthe streaming of information from the garment processor 114 to thegarment associated website to be reflected in the dashboard/applicationof authorized viewers. This technology may allow for global access toGPS data as well as biometric feedback processes. For military users, asatellite receiver/transceiver may be integrated into the garment 50.Although more expensive, data transmitted over satellite uplink may bemore reliable in non-permissive environments. The antennas for eitherthe satellite or cellular unit may be a flat integrated antenna that maybe flexible and sewn along the top line of the garment 50. Inembodiments, the garment 50 may include smaller cellular and/orsatellite circuit board integration, lighter weight materials, smallerantennas, and faster data transfer rates.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may utilize industry-leadinglow-frequency transmitter/receiver systems to create an ecosystem aroundthe garment 50. One embodiment may incorporate a low-frequency systemsuch as Bluetooth Smart. This technology may allow for the addition ofthird-party hardware for extended biofeedback response capabilities.Some of the hardware concepts may include glasses to track movement andpupil dilation, wristbands to monitor skin conductivity and temperature,ambient temperature sensors, and DTR monitoring. In embodiments, thegarment 50 may include the most up-to-date low-frequency wirelesslyintegrated technology. This may include smaller transmitters andreceivers that may move larger quantities of data and smaller packagesizes over greater distances. The protocols may be expanded to include awider variety of third-party hardware. In further embodiments,iterations of submersible technology may be incorporated.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may incorporate a magnetic respiratorymonitor that may measure chest wall and abdominal movement. Inembodiments, the respiratory monitor may measure chest wall andabdominal movement at twelve points on the body, with six points beingon a first side of the body and six points being on a second side of thebody. Four leads may be placed at relevant points along the thoracicwall to monitor the linear movement of the related space along a linearplane. Two leads may be placed on the lateral aspect of the abdominalwall to monitor for diaphragmatic breathing. The respiration rate,frequency, and depth may be transmitted over wire in real-time to thegarment's onboard processor 114 where the information may be processedthrough a series of algorithms to determine results such as, but are notlimited to, the following: respiration depth, respiration quality,respiration rate, respiratory rhythm, and relevant chest wall andabdominal movement (symmetric, asymmetric, variance, etc.).

FIG. 3 displays a method 300 for monitoring an individual using amagnetic respiratory monitor in accordance with embodiments. Method 300may include providing 310 a pair of magnets. In embodiments, a magnetmay be static. A second magnet may be mobilized 320 in the vicinity ofthe static magnet. A magnetometer may then monitor 330 the variation inmagnetic force applied to the static magnet by a mobile magnet attachedto the mediastinal breastplate of the garment 50, the position of whichmay be found in FIG. 2A depicted as a dotted line. Magnetic variance mayoccur on inspiration and expiration as the magnet attached to the breastplate moves away from the static magnet during inspiration and backtowards the static magnet during expiration. The variance in force maybe transmitted 340 by the magnetometer to the processor. The number oftimes the variances are recorded over a period of time may be identifiedas the number of respirations in that period. The pair of magnetsinvolved in this process may be encapsulated in a thin waterproof tubein conjunction with the magnetometer. The static magnet may be glued inplace to the interior of the watertight tube. Each magnetic device mayconsist of a magnetometer, a static magnet secured to the interior ofthe tube, a mobile magnet inserted into the interior of the tube, awatertight tube, and a cable attachment to the breast plate. There maybe a plurality, such as, but not limited to, twelve, of these devicesdistributed throughout the garment 50. In embodiments, four devices maybe located over the left lateral aspect of the thorax and four devicesmay be located over the right lateral aspect of the thorax. Inembodiments, two devices may be located over the left anterolateralaspect of the abdomen and two devices may be located over the rightanterolateral aspect of the abdomen. In embodiments, a magneticrespiratory monitor may be placed within the garment 50 on each side ofthe garment 50 correlating with an upper chest wall of an individual sothat breathing patterns in these two areas may be monitored. Inembodiments, the length of the tube may align with an outward axis ofbreathing of the individual so that the magnets may move along this axisand provide useful measurable results. In embodiments, the garment 50may include magnetometry that does not require actual moving magnets,smaller integrated systems, and faster, more reliable reads.

In embodiments, the magnetometer may comprise standard magnetometercomponents that may be capable of measuring at least one of thefollowing: the magnetization of a magnetic material and the strengthand/or direction of a magnetic field at a point in space. Inembodiments, a sensor of the magnetometer may be positioned within themagnetic field found within or in the vicinity of the tube housing thestatic magnet and the mobile magnet.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may be worn in conjunction with a belt.The belt itself may include a magnet and magnetometer setup aspreviously described with the tube aligning along an axis perpendicularto the length and width of the belt. The belt may, when the garment 50is worn by an individual, circumnavigate the pelvic region of anindividual and may carry out at least one of two tasks: keep a garment50 in place if an individual is wearing a garment 50 and measuring thepelvic positioning of an individual. In embodiments, the belt may bepositioned over the iliac crests of the pelvis.

In embodiments, a garment 50 in the form of a shirt may comprise awaistband sewn within a hem of a shirt. The waistband may, when thegarment 50 is worn by an individual, circumnavigate the pelvic region ofan individual. The waistband may comprise a magnet and magnetometersetup as previously described with the tube aligning along an axisperpendicular to the length and width of the waistband. The waistbandmay measure the pelvic positioning of an individual when the individualis wearing a garment 50 including the waistband. In embodiments, thewaistband may comprise an elastic material. In embodiments, the belt maybe positioned over the iliac crests of the pelvis.

FIG. 4 displays a diagram depicting one embodiment of a wired frameworkof the garment system 50. In certain embodiments, the garment 50 mayintegrate up to twelve primary components.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may comprise an integrated processor 114.Information generated by biometric sensors, Bluetooth extensions, GPSsignals, and any other general feedback provided through the garmentsystem 50 may be processed within the garment 50 using the processor114. Processed data packets may be transmitted via uplink to a serverassociated with the garment 50 and then made available in near real-timeto a dashboard/application; application users may be intended to haveaccess to this information. The mechanism of processing information onboard the garment 50 may allow for the continuous cycling and evaluationof data even in the event of uplink loss. This may be critical inhigh-conflict areas such as areas near power-lines or around densefoliage or building cover. Once communication with the server isre-established, burst transmissions may occur in order to move as muchinformation to the server and then out to the users as fast as possible.In embodiments, the processor may include a faster processor,parallelized multicore processing, smaller chips, and more powerful,deeper evaluation of biometric feedback data.

The garment 50 may comprise a wireless monitoring system that may allowfor testing typically reserved for the lab. The garment 50 may comprisea processor 114 that may be wired or wirelessly connected with aplurality of respiration monitoring sites 116. Using the respirationmonitoring sites 116 placed at thoracic and abdominal areas, the garment50 may allow for respirations, heart rate, and thoracic movement to bemonitored along with relevant conjoined data. The garment system mayallow for the integration of Bluetooth Smart enabled peripheralmonitors. The wireless capabilities may also mean that this product maybe updated and expanded on like any other piece of technical equipment.In embodiments, the garment 50 may comprise eight thoracic respirationmonitoring sites 116 and four abdominal respiration monitoring sites 116(both generally denoted as respiration monitoring sites 116).

A rechargeable battery 132 connected to the processor may be encased ina waterproof shell that may be resistant up to 100 meters of water inembodiments. The configuration of the battery 132 may depend on thevariation of the garment 50. A commercial version of the garment 50 mayutilize an integrated battery 132 that may require that the garment 50be returned to a company for a swap out battery 132 once the battery 132has exceeded life expectancy. In embodiments, an accessible version ofthe garment 50 may utilize a removable battery 132 that may allow foremergency swap out, field servicing, and swaps on prolonged operations(such as in the military).

The estimated standby time for the garment 50 without kinetic influenceor charge may be 10-15 days, virtually eliminating the possibility ofpower sapping. The garment 50 may be monitored remotely by dashboardapplication as well as a web interface.

The garment 50 may further comprise a plurality of strategically placedaccelerometers 130. The integration of accelerometers may allow for, butis not limited to a number of characteristics. The accelerometers 130may provide the location of the garment 50 and thus the body position ofthe wearer relevant to perpendicular to the ground. This may allow anevaluator to determine the activity of the garment 50 wearer (runningversus biking, versus swimming, etc.). The accelerometers 130 mayidentify position relevant to the perpendicular in conjunction withbeing relevant to each other. The accelerometers 130 may furtherdetermine torso and limb movement associated with mobility. Theaccelerometer 130 may further determine the quality of specificmovements. In embodiments, the garment 50 may comprise fouraccelerometers 130: a left posterior accelerometer 130, a rightposterior accelerometer 130, a left anterior accelerometer 130, and aright anterior accelerometer 130. The accelerometers 130 may collectinformation on the movement of an individual including the direction ofmovement, the speed of movement, the duration in which a movement takesplace, and the smoothness of the movement. This information may beprovided to the processor 114 and stored on a memory in connection withthe processor 114. The processor 114 may correlate the data with sampledata that may represent a specific activity. This comparison may allowthe garment 50 to tell what type of activity an individual is doing, howwell the individual is performing an activity, and how well theindividual is doing (healthwise) during the activity.

In embodiments, garment 50 may incorporate a plurality, such as four,accelerometers 130. There may be one accelerometer 130 over theposterior superior lateral aspect of the left scapula and oneaccelerometer 130 over the posterior superior lateral aspect of theright scapula. There may further be one accelerometer 130 placed overthe left anterior superior medial aspect of the ischial crest and oneaccelerometer 130 placed over the right anterior superior medial aspectof the ischial crest. Each accelerometer 130 may relay informationindependently to the processor 114 so that the individualaccelerometers' 130 positions relevant to perpendicular to the groundcan be measured as well as variations to perpendicular to the groundsurface. Each unit may measure its relative position, speed, andmomentum respective to every other unit. This information may also besent to the processor 114 by each individual accelerometer 130. Thecombined data in aggregate from the accelerometers 130 may provide athree dimensional digital view of the body in motion. In embodiments,the accelerometer component 130 of the garment 50 may include smalleraccelerometers 130, more accelerometers 130, more accurate hardware, andfaster aggregation at the software level.

The processor 114 may further be connected to a GPS monitor 134 that maybe stacked or swapped with a WWAN monitor for indoor movement trackingin a 3D space. In both instances, the purpose of the unit 134 is todetermine the wearer's physical position in a real world environment. Inembodiments, the ping rate for the GPS and/or the WWAN monitoring device134 may be one second intervals (the closest to constant positionstreaming currently available).

The GPS component 134 of the garment 50 may utilize the most current GPStransceivers available. The GPS component 134 may be located along thespinal column over the C5. The GPS may be small in size and may be lowprofile. The GPS 134 may utilize an integrated antenna. For militaryversions of the garment 50, an elongated, flexible, and flat GPS antennamay be integrated into the garment 50. The GPS component 134 of thegarment 50 may be utilized to track the physical location of the body ina real-time environment. For military purposes, the garment 50 may becapable of utilizing WWAN to track a wearer through an interiorenvironment. The WWAN integration may afford observers utilizing the appor web dashboard to track the garment's wearer in near real time on amap overlay. In embodiments, the GPS/WWAN component 134 may includesmaller units, better satellite tracking, faster locking, and bettertransmission through dense cover.

FIG. 5 displays a diagram of an embodiment of the kinetic power modulesetup. A low frequency wireless enabled wearable utilizing at least onepower generator, magnetic respiratory monitor, and onboard processor 114may exist within the garment 50. The method of acquiring, processing,and transmitting biometric feedback data may allow for the completephysical evaluation of a wearer without being harnessed to a treadmill,spirometer, and ECG machine while isolated to a lab outside of an activereal-world environment. The garment 50 may take the guess work out oflive, real-world performance and stress response.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may utilize at least one integratedkinetic power generator 136 that may allow for the garment 50 tocontinuously charge while the wearer is in motion and may only depletethe battery 132 when the body is static. This feature may increase thebattery life and decrease the requirement for charging. This may lendthe garment 50 to long duration activities like combat operationscenarios such as foot patrols, Direct Action Operations, trainingexercises spanning multiple days in the field, and commercially viableactivities such as triathlons and endurance races. In embodiments, theintegrated kinetic generators 136 may be a diffuse kinetic charger.

The kinetic generator is a technology that may be integrated into thegarment 50. The power generator may be a diffuse kinetic generatorsystem that may provide multiple micro-kinetic power generators 136 thatmay be located throughout the garment 50 in strategic areas. The energygenerated by each power generator 136 may be throttled through a powermodulator 138 to trickle charge the garment's battery 132. The powermodulator 138 may be capable of trickle charging the battery 132 fromthe charge of a single micro kinetic generator or all micro-kineticpower generators 136 simultaneously. This is extremely important becausein certain body positions, or during certain activities, there may belimited motion through all or some of the upper extremities and thusregions of the garment 50. The power modulator 138 may be directly wiredto the battery 132 in order to provide the charge/trickle charge. In anembodiment, a micro-kinetic power generator technology may be based onthe Seiko-type kinetic power generation system that has been utilized inwatches since the early 80s. In embodiments, the kinetic powergenerators 136 may include smaller generators capable of generating morepower from less movement. In embodiments, the kinetic power generators136 may incorporate organic solar paneling woven into the garmentmaterial of the garment 50.

In embodiments, the garment 50 may comprise at least one battery 132.

FIG. 6 illustrates a respiratory monitor sub-system 10, according tosome embodiments. Respiratory monitor sub-system 110 may be integratedinto shirt 112 and includes processor 114 and multiple instantiations ofrespiration monitoring site (“RMS”) 116, i.e., RMS 116 a-116 f. Each RMS116 is connected to processor 114 via serial bus. During operation, eachRMS 116 senses movement as described below and provides a correspondingdigital output that is a function of the detected movement. According toone embodiment, each RMS 116 output is latched and scanned serially backto processor 114 where it is available for further analysis orprocessing. According to a different embodiment, the digital dataprovided by each RMS 116 may be provided to processor 114 along aparallel bus.

In embodiments, respiratory monitor sub-system 110 may not includeprocessor 114.

FIG. 7 illustrates an RMS 116 according to some embodiments. RMS 116includes a conductive elastomer (“CE”) panel 118, multiple instances ofstrain detection unit 120, i.e., strain detection unit 120 a-120 b, andlatch 122. CE panel includes at least 2 strips of material, strands, orfibers of a conductive elastomer, one substantially in the horizontaldirection, and one substantially in the vertical direction. These CEpanels may be integrated into the garment 112 over areas that areaffected during the respiratory process; for instance, over the rib cageand upper abdomen. When inhalation and exhalation occur, the materialstretches, expanding and contracting with body motion, i.e., thoracicexpansion and contraction while breathing.

As is known, the resistance of the conductive elastomer fibers orthreads is given as:R=(p*l)/A,

where R represents the resistance, p represents electrical resistivity(Ωm), A represents the cross sectional area in m2 and l=length of theconductor in m. According to this relation, when the area of theconductive elastomer decreases, its resistance increases. Deflection,i.e., expansion and contraction, of the conductive elastomer results ina decrease in the cross-sectional area and a concomitant change in theresistance of the conductive elastomer.

Strain detection unit 120 a and 120 b detect the changes in theresistance of the conductive elastomer that results from the expansionand contraction of the strands that accompany inhalation and exhalation.Latch 122 captures the results of the detection performed by straindetection unit 120 and provides the captured data to processor 114 byway of the aforementioned serial or parallel bus.

FIG. 8 illustrates a strain detection unit 120 according to someembodiments. Strain detection unit 120 includes a strain sensor unit124, signal conditioning unit 126, and analog-to-digital converter(“ADC”) 128. During operation, strain sensor unit 124 detects thechanges in resistance resulting from the deflection of the conductiveelastomer strands due to inhalation and exhalation. The results of thestrain sensor unit 124 are provided to signal conditioning unit 126,where the resulting signal or signals are, for example, amplified andany DC offset is removed. The conditioned signal is provided to ADC 128where it signal is converted into a digital output. ADC 128 may be asimple 1-bit ADC, a more complex 24-bit ADC, or something in between,depending upon the application and the needs of the system.

FIG. 9 illustrates a strain detection unit 120′ according to a differentembodiment. In this embodiment, strain detection unit 120′ includesWheatstone bridge 124′, amplifier 126′, and ADC 128′. Wheatstone bridge124′, as is known, is often used to accurately measure small changes inresistance of a strained medium, converting the changes in resistanceinto a voltage that can be amplified by amplifier 126′ and converted toa digital output by ADC 128′. Wheatstone bridge 24′ includes 4 resistorsR1, R2, R3, and RCE, where RCE is the resistance of the conductiveelastomer. When all four resistors in Wheatstone bridge 124′ are equal,the bridge is perfectly balanced and the output voltage is equal tozero. But when any one or more of the resistors change value by only afractional amount, the bridge produces a measurable voltage. The outputvoltage of the Wheatstone bridge 124′ is given by:V _(out) =VDD((R2/(R1+R2))−(R3/(RCE+R3)))

Thus, when the resistance of the conductive elastomer, illustrated hereas RCE, changes, the output voltage provided to amplifier 126′ reflectsthat change as a change in voltage which is then conditioned andamplified by amplifier 126′. The amplified signal is then converted to adigital output by ADC 128′. As before, ADC 128′ may be a simple 1-bitADC, a more complex 24-bit ADC, or something in between, depending uponthe application and the needs of the system.

FIG. 10 displays a side layer view of a multi-layer elastic conductivefabric 150 utilized by a garment 50 in accordance with embodiments. Thefabric 150 may comprise a top layer 152, a bottom layer 156, and acrosslinked midsection 154. In embodiments, the bottom layer 156 maycomprise a rubberized conducive material, such as, but not limited to ametal rubber. A metal rubber may provide an ideal set of properties thatmay include elasticity and conductivity. When an individual is wearingthe garment 50, the bottom layer 156 may exist adjacent the individual'sskin. The bottom layer 156 may receive a natural current from theindividual's skin that may be transmitted throughout the bottom layer156. In embodiments, this natural current may be measured by one or moreRMS 116 and may output data that may be analyzed to show how anindividual is positioned or is breathing. In embodiments, a current froma component of the garment 50 may provide a current that may be suppliedto the bottom layer 156 and one or more RMS 116. In embodiments, thecurrent supplying component may be battery 132.

The midsection 154 may comprise a woven textile including insulativefibers. It is important to note that the insulative fibers of the woventextile may be adjacent the bottom layer 156 so that the bottom layer156 may carry a charge from one point to another without the midsection154 interfering with the current passed through the bottom layer 156.The top layer 152 may comprise an elastic fabric such as, but notlimited to spandex and lycra. In embodiments, the midsection 154 may beadhered to the top and bottom layers 152,156 via an adhesive polymer. Inembodiments, the woven textile of the midsection 154 may be woven to atleast one of the top and bottom layers 152,156. In embodiments, theelastic conductive polymer may exhibit characteristics similar to ametal rubber.

FIG. 11 displays a front view of a respiratory monitoring systemengrained within a garment 50 in accordance with embodiments. As shownin FIG. 11, the multi-layer elastic conductive fabric 150 may comprise adefinite width that may be confined within a length from a firstdetection unit 120 to a second detection unit 120. In embodiments suchas that shown in FIG. 11, the multi-layer elastic conductive fabric 150may alternatively be designated as “panel strips”. A plurality of panelstrips may make up a framework splayed across the garment in diagonalpatterns to provide conductivity to a plurality of detection units 120found on a large portion of the garment 50. These panel strips may bewoven and/or stitched to the garment 50 itself. At each contactpoint/overlap, a detection unit 120 may exist that may create a datapacket on the current being passed at that specific monitor. The datapacket may include a time at which a current is measured. The detectionunits 120 may then send the information to either a processor on thegarment 50 or an external processor that may store and analyze the datapackets received using either a wired or wireless connection (such asthose mentioned herein). Using one or more algorithms, the processor 114may output breathing information on an individual wearing the garment50.

FIG. 12 displays a method 1200 for monitoring body functions inaccordance with embodiments. Method 1200 may measure functions such as,but are not limited to inspiration, expiration, skeletal positionalquality, and volume of respiration. Method 1200 may utilize any of theaforementioned embodiments of a garment 50 including a respiratorymonitor matrix and detection units 120. Method 1200 may be utilized inconjunction with the physical movements of the respiratory process.Method 1200 may include providing 1210 a garment 50 to an individual.The user may don 1220 the garment 50 and may breathe (performinspiration and expiration) while wearing the garment 50, causing themulti-layer elastic conductive fabric of the garment 50 to elongate andthe conductive fibers in the material to become uniformly thinner. Asthe conductive fibers become thinner, the resistance along theconductive fibers increases. Because of the increased resistance, thetransmission time of the electrical signal across the fabric increases.These transmission times may be recorded 1230 by detection units 120placed within the garment 50. The material may be incorporated into thegarment 50 so that all expansion of fibers is along a linear plane. Therecordation of times may then be included in information packets sent1240 to a processor for further analysis 1250.

FIGS. 13A and 13B depict an alternative embodiment of a garment 50including a plurality of RMSs 116 located on the anterior and theposterior of the garment 50. The RMSs 116 may be integrally placed toprovide sufficient monitoring of an individual's bodily movements,functions, and/or positioning. The garment 50 may comprise six RMSs 116located on the anterior portion of the garment 50, four RMSs 116 locatedon the posterior portion of the garment 50, and two RMSs 116 locatedright below the armpit portions of the garment 50.

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict alternative views of a skeleton each comprisingvarying posture traits in accordance with embodiments. These posturetraits may be analyzed using the RMSs 116 found on the garment 50. Thedetection units 120 utilized in the RMSs 116 are not just quantitative(like how rapidly someone is breathing or how fast their heart isbeating), but are also qualitative. The garment 50 may allow a windowinto how effectively an individual is breathing, what subtle positionalfactors in their spine and ribcage exist, and what state their autonomicnervous system is in as they train (rest and recover).

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates most of the body's crucialsystems like digestive, cardiac, immune and lymphatic systems. This maybe achieved via a balanced relationship between two sub-systems, theparasympathetic or “rest and digest” system (PNS) and the sympathetic“fight or flight” system (SNS).

Studies on elite performers ranging from Navy SEALs to students takingcollege entrance exams show that the top performers have the bestvariance in their nervous systems and are able to baseline mosteffectively in a restful, parasympathetic state when at rest.

These elite performers are able to spike strongly and immediately into apowerful sympathetic response when needed, and then abruptly drop backinto recovery mode between either sets of a tennis match, jumping out ofan airplane, or while at home over the weekend. Their heart rates dipmore at night during sleep than their lower-performing counterparts, andthey hit harder with a more robust “engage threat” response when calledupon. Top performers have greater biological power because they only puttheir foot on the gas at the precise times when it's necessary.Underperformers are essentially working with one foot on the gas and theother on the brake at all times, neither hitting top speed nor slowingdown and taking stress off the engine. Variability is availability.

Much of this analysis comes down to breathing and the interplay betweenrespiratory patterns, heart rate, the autonomic nervous system, and thepositioning of the spine and ribcage. The garment 50 may allow nearreal-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment of all of the above.

Breathing is generally misunderstood, predictably inefficient even inwell-trained athletes and difficult to monitor without the disclosedgarment 50. Breathing is a direct input into the autonomic nervoussystem (ANS) and drives positioning of the thorax, which is not onlycrucial for effective performance and the avoidance of injuries, butagain directly affects the ANS.

The body has inherent physical asymmetries. For example, the liver islocated on the right of the torso, with the heart shifted towards theleft side of the chest. The liver's position offsets the diaphragm onthe right, tenting it upward, while the diaphragm on the left isunaffected. The lungs have two lobes on the left and three on the right.These and other asymmetries drive predictable positional imbalancesthroughout the body. Many of these are tied into respiration.

As a result, not only does the spine rotate in a predictable andinjurious fashion, people tend to baseline in spinal extension, whichinduces a state of chronic sympathetic tone, reduced ANS variability anda host of physiological issues, partially due to activation ofsympathetic spinal ganglia. This has profound impacts on everything fromphysical performance to sleep quality and stress management.

A combination of these asymmetries, the postural influences and chronic,mild stress-state of modern life and other factors produce predictableand measurable changes in breathing, spinal and rib positioning andautonomic function. Being able to monitor and adjust these factorsdynamically during training based on near real-time feedback isimmensely valuable, and is where the disclosed garment 50 may beuniquely capable.

The garment 50 may allow for monitoring of the asymmetric, multi-planar(transverse, sagittal and frontal) movement of the abdomen, spine andthorax during respiration and movement. It also provides a direct windowinto cardiac workload and autonomic balance via heart rate and heartrate variability monitoring. This provides a valuable form of trainingfeedback for everything from intense military training scenarios tostrength and endurance training to meditative biofeedback exercises.

By utilizing embodiments of the garment 50 with one or more sub-systems,the garment 50 may recognize the position of certain body parts that maycorrelate with a specific posture of an individual's body. For example,the garment 50 may categorize an individual's spinal position as foundin either FIG. 14A or FIG. 14B. This may be determined by running acurrent through a plurality of RMSs 116 and measuring the time lapsedfrom one sensor to another. This time measurement may be compared withother time measurements (via a processor) recorded from other garments50 utilized by other individuals with varying spinal positions.Information may further be supplied about how an individual may altertheir spinal position if desired via the information gathered on otherindividual's varying spinal positions. Body parts that may be analyzedmay include, but are not limited to the chest, the spine, and thepelvis.

The disclosure may provide an alternative garment system 50 forproviding data. The system 50 may comprise a garment body 52 comprisingan anterior portion, a posterior portion, and a plurality of yarnsarranged in at least one of a woven pattern and a knit pattern. Thegarment body 52 may further comprise the following components: aprocessor 114, a memory, a battery unit 132, a respiratory monitorsub-system 110 including a plurality of respiratory monitoring sites116, a plurality of kinetic generators 136 wired to a power modulatorconnected to the battery 114, a GPS monitor 134, a plurality ofaccelerometers 130, and a data analysis module comprising a secondwireless receiver and a wireless transmitter.

In embodiments, the module may be capable of receiving data procuredfrom at least one of the processor 114, the respiratory monitorsub-system 110, the GPS monitor 134, and the plurality of accelerometers130.

In embodiments, at least one of the plurality of accelerometers 130 maybe wired to the processor 114.

In embodiments, the processor 114, the GPS monitor 134, and theplurality of accelerometers 130 may each comprise at least one of awireless receiver and a wireless transmitter. In embodiments, each ofthe plurality of respiratory monitoring sites 116 may be affixed to atleast one other of the plurality of respiratory monitoring sites 116 viaconductive flexible fibers.

In embodiments, the components may be configured in a skeletalsubstructure, wherein: the processor 114 and memory may be housed as aunit affixed to the posterior portion of the garment body 52, thebattery unit 132 may be affixed to the posterior portion of the garmentbody 52, the plurality of respiratory monitoring sites 116 may beaffixed to the anterior portion of the garment body 52 and the posteriorportion of the garment body 52, at least one of the plurality of kineticgenerators 136 may be affixed to the anterior portion of the garmentbody 52 and the posterior portion of the garment body 52, the GPSmonitor 134 may be affixed to the posterior portion of the garment body52, and at least one of the plurality of accelerometers 130 may beaffixed to the anterior portion of the garment body 52 and the posteriorportion of the garment body 52.

In embodiments, the garment system 50 may comprise a form-fitting fabriccomprising an open interior defining a torso.

In embodiments, the form-fitting fabric may comprise three layers. Eachof the three layers may separately comprise one of a conductive elasticfabric, an insulative fabric, and an elastic fabric.

In embodiments, the layer comprising the conductive elastic fabric maybe adjacent the open interior. The conductive elastic fabric mayessentially be adjacent an individual's skin when an individual iswearing an embodiment of garment 50.

In embodiments, the battery unit 132 may be housed in a waterproofbattery shell. In embodiments, the battery 132 may be rechargeable. Inembodiments, at least one of the plurality of accelerometers maycomprise a heart rate monitor.

In embodiments, the garment body 52 may further comprise a magneticmonitoring system comprising at least one magnetic monitoring unit Inembodiments, the magnetic monitoring unit may comprise a housing, amagnet static within the housing, a magnet mobile within the housing,and a magnetometer comprising a sensor positioned within the housing.The sensor may measure the force within the magnetic field created bythe two magnets at different times, such as when the mobile magnet isclose to the static magnet and when the mobile magnet is far away fromthe static magnet. These distances between the magnets may occur at atime when an individual is breathing (chest compressions may change thedistance of the magnets when the magnetic monitoring system isincorporated into a garment 50 in the chest region). In order to keepboth magnets from moving in relation to the garment 50 when a personbreathes, one of the magnets may be affixed to the garment 50 and notthe housing while the other magnet may be affixed to the housing but notthe garment 50. In embodiments, affixing of one of the magnets to thegarment 50 may be carried out using a single magnet housing affixable tothe garment that may penetrate the housing (of both magnets) that may bemovable with the magnet in which the single magnet housing isencompassing.

FIG. 15 displays an alternative embodiment of a method for collectingdata in accordance with embodiments. Method may utilize any embodimentof a garment system 50 that is described above. The method 1500 maycomprise providing 1210 a garment system 50. Data may be procured 1220via at least one of the processors 114 of the garment system 50, therespiratory monitor sub-system 110, the GPS monitor 134, and at leastone of the plurality of accelerometers 130. The procured data may thenbe transmitted to at least one of the processor 114 and the dataanalysis module. The procured data may be analyzed 1240 via at least oneof the processor 114 and the data analysis module. An algorithm may thenbe applied 1250 to the procured data via at least one of the processor114 and the data analysis module in order to provide a processed output.The processed output may include biometric information associated withan individual wearing a garment 50.

FIG. 16 displays a method 1600 for monitoring breathing in accordancewith embodiments. Method 1600 may comprise providing 1610 a garmentsystem 50. The garment system may comprise a garment body 52 comprisinga plurality of yarns arranged in at least one of a woven pattern and aknit pattern. The garment 50 may further comprise a respiratory monitorsub-system 110 comprising a plurality of respiratory monitoring sites116. Each of the plurality of respiratory monitoring sites 116 may beaffixed to at least one other of the plurality of respiratory monitoringsites 116 via conductive flexible fibers. In embodiments, the garment 50may comprise any of the aforementioned features.

Method 1600 may further comprise running 1620 a current through at leastsome of the conductive flexible fibers and at least two of the pluralityof respiratory monitoring sites 116, wherein the at least some of theconductive flexible fibers are in a nonlinear position in response to anapplied force.

Method 1600 may further comprise monitoring 1630 and recording currentinformation at the at least two of the plurality of respiratorymonitoring sites 116. In embodiments, the current information mayinclude assigning a time stamp to the current at the point in time thecurrent is received by each of the at least two of the plurality ofrespiratory monitoring sites 116.

Method 1600 may further comprise sending 1640, via at least one of awired network and a wireless network, the current information to aprocessor 114. In embodiments, the processor may comprise at least onealgorithm.

Method 1600 may further comprise processing 1650, via the at least onealgorithm, the current information to provide a processed output.

In embodiments, operating systems utilized by any part of the garment 50system may include, but is not limited to: iOS and later, Windows Phone8.1, Windows 8, Android 4.3 and later, BlackBerry 10, Linux 3.4 andlater through BlueZ 5.0, and Unison OS 5.2.

In embodiments, any of the electronic components of the garment 50 maycomprise a waterproof nano-coating adhered to the exterior of theelectronic components. The coating may allow for the components tofunction properly when the garment 50 is exposed to a wet environmentthat may include sweat and/or water.

In embodiments, wiring connecting two or more electronic componentsfound in a garment 50 may be contained within a multi-layered fabricconstruction. In embodiments, the wiring may be partially engrainedwithin seams in the garment 50. In embodiments, the wiring may compriseconductive fibers. The conductive fibers may be in the form of one ormore yarns woven or knit with other fibers. In order to provide theefficient transfer of power or data, the yarns may be coated with aninsulative polymer.

In embodiments, the garment system 50 may be capable of monitoringmultiple biometric responses such as, but not limited to: skintemperature, core temperature, respirations, heart rate, predicted tidalvolume, chest wall movement, abdominal movement in conjunction withinspiration, abdominal movement in conjunction with expiration, HRR(heart rate reserve), HRV (heart rate variability), body positionrelevant to perpendicular, shoulder position relevant to hip position,general body posture, up time, down time, and malfunctions.

In embodiments, the garment system 50 may be capable of monitoringmultiple biometric peripheral processes through Bluetooth Smart orsimilar. These biometric peripheral processes include, but are notlimited to: DTR, eye movement, eye position, reflex velocity, visualtracking, visual focal points, tactile response, and skin conductivity.

In certain embodiments, the garment system 50 may be a garment otherthan a shirt. These other garments may include any of the structuresand/or functionalities found in the disclosure.

In embodiments, fabric within the garment structure 50 may comprise atwill weave. The twill weave may provide a better form fitting structureto the body by allowing the garment 50 to succumb easier to flexing orfolding to match the curves of a body.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “garment” may refer to abelt in embodiments.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms “garment”, “garmentsystem”, and “system 50” may be synonymous.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms “respiration/skeletalposition monitors”, “RMSs”, and “respiration monitoring sites” may besynonymous.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms “respiration monitorsub-system” and “respiration monitoring sub-system” may be synonymous.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the terms “battery unit” and“battery” may be synonymous.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A garment system for providing datacomprising: a garment body comprising a form-fitting fabric having anopen interior defining a torso, wherein the form-fitting fabriccomprises a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer coupledtogether, the first layer comprising a conductive elastic fabric, thesecond layer comprising an insulative fabric, and the third layercomprising an elastic fabric; wherein the garment body comprises ananterior portion and a posterior portion, the garment body having aplurality of components integrated in the garment body, the componentscomprising: a processor; a memory; a battery unit; a respiratory monitorsub-system comprising a plurality of respiratory monitoring sitesdistributed in the garment body, wherein the plurality of respiratorymonitoring sites comprises at least a first respiratory monitoring site,a second respiratory monitoring site, a third respirators monitoringsite, and a fourth respiratory monitoring site; wherein the firstrespiratory monitoring site is coupled to the second respiratorymonitoring site with a first portion of the conductive elastic fabric,and the third respiratory monitoring site is coupled to the fourthrespiratory monitoring site with a second portion of the conductiveelastic fabric, the first portion of the conductive elastic fabric beingoriented in a first direction in the garment body and the second portionof the conductive elastic fabric being oriented in a second direction inthe garment body, the first direction being different than the seconddirection: wherein the respiratory monitor sub-system is configured toassess a first resistance of the first portion of the conductive elasticfabric and assess a second resistance of the second portion of theconductive elastic fabric, the first resistance being assessedindependently of the second resistance; a plurality of kineticgenerators wired to a power modulator connected to the battery; a GPSmonitor; and a plurality of accelerometers, at least one of theplurality of accelerometers wired to the processor; the processor, theGPS monitor, and the plurality of accelerometers each comprising atleast one of a wireless receiver and a wireless transmitter; and a dataanalysis module comprising a second wireless receiver and a wirelesstransmitter, the module being capable of receiving data procured from atleast one of the processor, the respiratory monitor sub-system, the GPSmonitor, and the plurality of accelerometers.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the components are arranged in a skeletal substructure, theprocessor and memory being housed as a unit and coupled to the posteriorportion of the garment body, the battery unit being coupled to theposterior portion of the garment body, the plurality of respiratorymonitoring sites being coupled to the anterior portion of the garmentbody and the posterior portion of the garment body, at least one of theplurality of kinetic generators being coupled to the anterior portion ofthe garment body and the posterior portion of the garment body, the GPSmonitor being coupled to the posterior portion of the garment body, andat least one of the plurality of accelerometers being coupled to theanterior portion of the garment body and the posterior portion of thegarment body.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first layer isadjacent the open interior and configured to be in contact with a skinof a wearer of the garment body.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein thebattery unit is housed in a waterproof battery shell.
 5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the battery unit is rechargeable.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of accelerometerscomprises a heart rate monitor.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thegarment body further comprises a magnetic monitoring system comprisingat least one magnetic monitoring unit, the magnetic monitoring unitcomprising: a housing; a magnet static within the housing; a magnetmobile within the housing; and a magnetometer comprising a sensorpositioned within the housing, wherein the magnetometer is configured toassess variation in magnetic force applied to the static magnet by themobile magnet.
 8. A method for collecting data comprising: providing agarment system, the garment system comprising: a processor, a memory; abattery unit; a respiratory monitor sub-system comprising a plurality ofrespiratory monitoring sites distributed in a garment body, wherein theplurality of respiratory monitoring sites comprises at least tworespiratory monitoring sites coupled with a portion of a conductiveelastic fabric in the garment body; a plurality of kinetic generatorswired to a power modulator connected to the battery; a GPS monitor; anda plurality of accelerometers, at least one of the plurality ofaccelerometers wired to the processor; the processor, the GPS monitor,and the plurality of accelerometers each comprising at least one of awireless receiver and a wireless transmitter; and a data analysis modulecomprising a second wireless receiver and a wireless transmitter, themodule capable of receiving data procured from each of the processor,the respiratory monitor sub-system, the GPS monitor, and the pluralityof accelerometers; assessing motion of a body of a wearer of the garmentbody during respiration and movement of the body using the plurality ofrespiratory monitoring sites distributed in the garment body; procuringdata via each of the processor, the plurality of respiratory monitoringsites, the GPS monitor, and at least one of the plurality ofaccelerometers; transmitting, to at least one of the processor and thedata analysis module, the procured data; analyzing, via the at least oneof the processor and the data analysis module, the procured data;applying, via the at least one of the processor and the data analysismodule, an algorithm to the procured data to provide a processed output;and generating a three-dimensional image of motion of the body of thewearer of the garment body using a combination of the data from theprocessor, the plurality of respiratory monitoring sites, the GPSmonitor, and at least one of the plurality of accelerometers.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the garment body comprises a form-fittingfabric having an open interior defining a torso.
 10. The method of claim9, wherein the form-fitting fabric comprises a first layer, a secondlayer, and a third layer coupled together, the first layer comprising aconductive elastic fabric, the second layer comprising an insulativefabric, and the third layer comprising an elastic fabric.
 11. The methodof claim 10, wherein the first layer is adjacent the open interior andin contact with a skin of the wearer of the garment body.
 12. A methodfor monitoring breathing comprising: providing a garment system, thegarment system comprising: a garment body comprising a form-fittingfabric having an open interior defining a torso, wherein theform-fitting fabric comprises a first layer, a second layer, and a thirdlayer coupled together, the first layer comprising a conductive elasticfabric, the second layer comprising an insulative fabric, and the thirdlayer comprising an elastic fabric, and a respiratory monitor su-systemcomprising a plurality of respiratory monitoring sites distributed inthe garment body, wherein the plurality of respiratory monitoring sitescomprises at least a first respiratory monitoring site, a secondrespiratory monitoring site, a third respiratory monitoring site, and afourth respiratory monitoring site; wherein the first respiratorymonitoring site is coupled to the second respiratory monitoring sitewith a first portion of the conductive elastic fabric, and the thirdrespiratory monitoring site is coupled to the fourth respiratorymonitoring site with a second portion of the conductive elastic fabric,the first portion of the conductive elastic fabric being oriented in afirst direction in the garment body and the second portion of theconductive elastic fabric being oriented in a second direction in thegarment body, the first direction being different than the seconddirection; running a current through the first portion of the conductiveelastic fabric and the second portion of the conductive elastic fabric,the first portion of the conductive elastic fabric and the secondportion of the conductive elastic fabric being in nonlinear positions inresponse to an applied force; assessing a first transmission time of thecurrent between the first respiratory monitoring site and the secondrespirator monitoring site; assessing a second transmission time of thecurrent between the third respiratory monitoring site and the fourthrespiratory monitoring site; sending, via at least one of a wirednetwork and a wireless network, the first transmission time and thesecond transmission time to a processor, the processor comprising atleast one algorithm; and processing, via the at least one algorithm, thefirst transmission time and the second transmission time to provide aprocessed output.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the data analysismodule is configured to assess at least some motion of a wearer of thegarment body in the first direction using the assessed first resistance.14. The system of claim 1, wherein the data analysis module isconfigured to assess at least some motion of a wearer of the garmentbody in the second direction using the assessed second resistance. 15.The system of claim 1, wherein the data analysis module is capable toreceive data procured from each of the processor, the respiratorymonitor sub-system, the GPS monitor, and the plurality ofaccelerometers, the data analysis module being configured to generate athree-dimensional image of motion of a body of a wearer of the garmentbody using a combination of the data from the processor, the respiratorymonitor sub-system, the GPS monitor, and the plurality ofaccelerometers.
 16. The method of claim 8, wherein the three-dimensionalimage of motion of the body of the wearer comprises an image of acombination of transverse, sagittal, and frontal motion of the body ofthe wearer.
 17. The method of claim 8, wherein assessing motion of thebody of the wearer of the garment body during respiration and movementof the body comprises assessing asymmetrical movement of the abdomen,spine, and thorax during respiration.
 18. The method of claim 8, whereinthe three-dimensional image of motion of the body of the wearercomprises an image of the body during respiration and movement of thebody.
 19. The method of claim 8, wherein analyzing the procured datacomprises simultaneously analyzing the procured data from the processor,the plurality of respiratory monitoring sites, the GPS monitor, and atleast one of the plurality of accelerometers.
 20. The method of claim12, further comprising assessing motion of a wearer of the garment bodyusing the first transmission time and the second transmission time.